The Alyansa Tigil Mina Blog

June 08, 2006

Inquirer -
http://news.inq7.net/opinion/index.php?index=1&story_id=78435

THIS is a reaction to the article “delicate balancing act: Gov’t
verdict on Lafayette.” (Inquirer, 5/26/06)
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo Reyes told officials of Lafayette Philippines Inc. that the mining industry will be a bridge to a prosperous future. The statement could turn out to be true — at least, on the surface. It could mean more infrastructures, more schools and more services for the people. It could create thousands of jobs and could pay all our country’s debt. It could mean quality life for our people. Indeed, mining could ensure a better future for our country — but that is, if the mining industry is used to promote national industrialization, and not entrusted to foreign outfits.

In the hands of foreign companies, “liberalized mining” would not
translate into a sustainable economy or a better life for our people. It would be a threat to our national patrimony and sovereignty. (more…)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/gen/2006/06/09/bus/firm.eyes.cooper.gold.project.in.n..cotabato.davao.html

A MINING company has signified its interest in exploring copper and gold deposits in the boundary of Cotabato province and Davao City, an official of the regional Mines and Geosciences Bureau announced last week.

Hernani Abdon, MGB-Central Mindanao mining licensing division chief, announced that Komakata Mining Co. has sought permission from the government to explore an area in Arakan town of Cotabato and a portion of Davao City for possible copper and gold deposits.

“The bulk of the exploration area will be in Arakan town, which borders Calinan District in Davao City, if their application will be approved by our main office,” he said.

The application reportedly covers 16,180 hectares of land. (more…)

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=politics01_june09_2006
By Joyce Pangco Pañares

Malacañang has directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to conduct a scientific study on the mercury contamination of the waters of Albay and Sorsogon allegedly caused by the Lafayette mining project.

The Palace order came after Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes admitted that his group’s recommendation for the immediate closure of the Lafayette project was based on conscience and not on science.

Presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor, a former environment secretary, said an issue as sensitive as mining can only be acted upon by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo if scientific studies would show that Lafayette was guilty, as charged by the Bastes commission, of contaminating the waters of Albay and Sorsogon.
“The report of Bishop Bastes will be further verified by the DENR, and any decision that will be taken by President Arroyo will be based on scientific data,” Defensor said. (more…)